← Back to guidelines
Pediatrics5 papers

Microphthalmia with brain atrophy syndrome

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) syndrome, also known as MIDAS syndrome, is an X-linked disorder characterized by bilateral microphthalmia, linear skin defects following Blaschko lines, and often additional systemic anomalies 12.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Features: Bilateral microphthalmia, linear skin defects often following Blaschko lines, absence of sebaceous glands and vellus hairs in affected skin areas 1.
  • Imaging: CT scans to confirm microphthalmia and assess brain structures for anomalies such as agenesis of the corpus callosum 2.
  • Genetic Testing: Identification of deletions or mutations in the HCCS gene on Xp22.2 through DNA studies and FISH analysis 12.
  • Dermatoscopy: Useful for confirming aplastic nature of skin lesions, showing erythematous linear areas, absence of sebaceous glands, and vellus hairs 1.
  • Management

  • Supportive Care: Addressing ocular complications with ophthalmological interventions tailored to microphthalmia 1.
  • Surgical Interventions: Consideration for surgical correction of associated anomalies like hypospadias, anal fistulas, or cardiac defects (e.g., secundum ASD) 2.
  • Genetic Counseling: Essential for families due to X-linked inheritance pattern 12.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Early ophthalmologic and dermatologic evaluations crucial for managing developmental and cosmetic impacts 12.
  • Comorbidities: Close monitoring for associated anomalies such as cardiac defects (ASD), genitourinary abnormalities (hypospadias), and central nervous system malformations (agenesis of corpus callosum, colpocephaly) 2.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Perform genetic testing, including DNA studies and FISH analysis, to identify deletions or translocations in the Xp22.2 region for definitive diagnosis (Evidence: Moderate 12).
  • Utilize dermatoscopy to aid in diagnosing MLS/MIDAS syndrome by assessing skin lesion characteristics (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Offer comprehensive genetic counseling to families due to the X-linked nature of the syndrome (Evidence: Expert opinion 12).
  • References

    1 Almeida HL, Rossi G, Abreu LB, Bergamaschi C, Silva AB, Kutsche K. Dermatoscopic aspects of the microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) syndrome. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia 2014. link 2 Stratton RF, Walter CA, Paulgar BR, Price ME, Moore CM. Second 46,XX male with MLS syndrome. American journal of medical genetics 1998. link1096-8628(19980226)76:1<37::aid-ajmg6>3.0.co;2-m) 3 Fitch N, Kaback M. The Axenfeld syndrome and the Rieger syndrome. Journal of medical genetics 1978. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Dermatoscopic aspects of the microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) syndrome.Almeida HL, Rossi G, Abreu LB, Bergamaschi C, Silva AB, Kutsche K Anais brasileiros de dermatologia (2014)
    2. [2]
      Second 46,XX male with MLS syndrome.Stratton RF, Walter CA, Paulgar BR, Price ME, Moore CM American journal of medical genetics (1998)
    3. [3]
      The Axenfeld syndrome and the Rieger syndrome.Fitch N, Kaback M Journal of medical genetics (1978)

    HemoChat

    by SPINAI

    Evidence-based clinical decision support powered by SNOMED-CT, Neo4j GraphRAG, and NASS/AO/NICE guidelines.

    ⚕ For clinical reference only. Not a substitute for professional judgment.

    © 2026 HemoChat. All rights reserved.
    Research·Pricing·Privacy & Terms·Refund·SNOMED-CT · NASS · AO Spine · NICE · GraphRAG